Oligonucleotide modulation of protein kinase C

ABSTRACT

Compositions and methods are provided for the treatment and diagnosis of diseases associated with protein kinase C. Oligonucleotides are provided which are specifically hybridizable with nucleic acid encoding PKC. Oligonucleotides specifically hybridizable with a translation initiation site, 5&#39;-untranslated region or 3&#39;-untranslated region are provided. Oligonucleotides specifically hybridizable with a particular PKC isozyme or set of isozymes are also provided. Methods of treating animals suffering from disease amenable to therapeutic intervention by modulating protein kinase C expression with an oligonucleotide specifically hybridizable with RNA or DNA corresponding to PKC are disclosed.

This application is a continuation in part of Ser. No. 852,852 filed Mar. 16, 1992 now abandoned.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to therapies, diagnostics, and research reagents for disease states which respond to modulation of the expression of protein kinase C. In particular, this invention relates to antisense oligonucleotides specifically hybridizable with nucleic acids relating to protein kinase C. These oligonucleotides have been found to modulate the expression of protein kinase C. Palliation and therapeutic effect result.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The phosphorylation of proteins plays a key role in the transduction of extracellular signals into the cell. The enzymes, called kinases, which effect such phosphorylations are targets for the action of growth factors, hormones, and other agents involved in cellular metabolism, proliferation and differentiation. One of the major signal transduction pathways involves the enzyme protein kinase C (PKC), which is known to have a critical influence on cell proliferation and differentiation. PKC is activated by diacylglycerols (DAGs), which are metabolites released in signal transduction.

Interest in PKC was stimulated by the finding that PKC is the major, and perhaps only, cellular receptor through which a class of tumor-promoting agents called phorbol esters exert their pleiotropic effects on cells Gescher et al., Anti-Cancer Drug Design 4:93-105 (1989)!. Phorbols capable of tumor production can mimic the effect of DAG in activating PKC, suggesting that these tumor promoters act through PKC and that activation of this enzyme is at least partially responsible for the resulting tumorigenesis Parker et al., Science 233:853-866 (1986)!.

Experimental evidence indicates that PKC plays a role in growth control in colon cancer. It is believed that specific bacteria in the intestinal tract convert lipids to DAG, thus activating PKC and altering cell proliferation. This may explain the correlation between high dietary fat and colon cancer Weinstein, Cancer Res. (Suppl.) 51:5080s-5085s (1991)!. It has also been demonstrated that a greater proportion of the PKC in the colonic mucosa of patients with colorectal cancer is in an activated state compared to that of patients without cancer Sakanoue et al., Int. J. Cancer 48:803-806 (1991)!.

Increased tumorigenicity is also correlated with overexpression of PKC in cultured cells inoculated into nude mice. A mutant form of PKC induces highly malignant tumor cells with increased metastatic potential. Sphingosine and related inhibitors of PKC activity have been shown to inhibit tumor cell growth and radiation-induced transformation in vivo Endo et al., Cancer Research 51:1613-1618 (1991); Borek et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. 88:1953-1957 (1991)!. A number of experimental or clinically useful anti-cancer drugs show modulatory effects on PKC. Therefore, inhibitors of PKC may be important cancer-preventive or therapeutic agents. PKC has been suggested as a plausible target for more rational design of conventional anti-cancer drugs Gescher, A. and Dale, I. L., Anti-Cancer Drug Design, 4:93-105 (1989)!.

Experiments also indicate that PKC plays an important role in the pathophysiology of hyperproliferative skin disorders such as psoriasis and skin cancer. Psoriasis is characterized by inflammation, hyperproliferation of the epidermis and decreased differentiation of cells. Various studies indicate a role for PKC in causing these symptoms. PKC stimulation in cultured keratinocytes can be shown to cause hyperproliferation. Inflammation can be induced by phorbol esters and is regulated by PKC. DAG is implicated in the involvement of PKC in dermatological diseases, and is formed to an increased extent in psoriatic lesions.

Inhibitors of PKC have been shown to have both antiproliferative and antiinflammatory effects in vitro. Some antipsoriasis drugs, such as cyclosporine A and anthralin, have been shown to inhibit PKC. Inhibition of PKC has been suggested as a therapeutic approach to the treatment of psoriasis Hegemann, L. and G. Mahrle, Pharmacology of the Skin, H. Mukhtar, ed., p. 357-368, CRC Press, Boca Raton, Fla., 1992!.

PKC is not a single enzyme, but a family of enzymes. At the present time at least seven isoforms (isozymes) of PKC have been identified: isoforms α, β, and γ have been purified to homogeneity, and isoforms δ, ε, ζ and η have been identified by molecular cloning. These isozymes have distinct patterns of tissue and organ localization (see Nishizuka, Nature, 334:661-665 (1988) for review) and may serve different physiological functions. For example, PKC-γ seems to be expressed only in the central nervous system. PKC-α and -β are expressed in most tissues, but have different patterns of expression in different cell types. For example, both PKC-α and PKC-β are expressed in, and have been purified from, human epidermis. While PKC-α has been detected mainly in keratinocytes of the basal layers of the epidermis, PKC-β is found mainly in the middle layers of the epidermis and Langerhans cells. PKC-η has been found predominantly in the skin and lungs, with levels of expression much higher in these tissues than in the brain. This is in contrast to other members of the PKC family which tend to be most abundantly expressed in the brain Osada et al., J. Biol. Chem. 265:22434-22440 (1990)!. While the PKC isozymes listed here are preferred for targeting by the present invention, other isozymes of PKC are also comprehended by the present invention.

It is presently believed that different PKC isozymes may be involved in various disease processes depending on the organ or tissue in which they are expressed. For example, in psoriatic lesions there is an alteration in the ratio between PKC-α and PKC-β, with preferential loss of PKC-β compared to normal skin Hegemann, L. and G. Mahrle, Pharmacology of the Skin, H. Mukhtar, ed., p. 357-368, CRC Press, Boca Raton, Fla., 1992!.

Although numerous compounds have been identified as PKC inhibitors (see Hidaka and Hagiwara, Trends in Pharm. Sci. 8:162-164 (1987) for review), few have been found which inhibit PKC specifically. While the quinoline sulfonamide derivatives such as 1-(5-isoquinolinesulfonyl)-2-methylpiperazine (H-7) inhibit PKC at micromolar concentrations, they exhibit similar enzyme inhibition kinetics for PKC and the CAMP-dependent and cGMP-dependent protein kinases. Staurosporine, an alkaloid product of Streptomyces sp., and its analogs, are the most potent in vitro inhibitors of PKC identified to date. However, they exhibit only limited selectivity among different protein kinases Gescher, Anti-Cancer Drug Design 4:93-105 (1989)!. Certain ceramides and sphingosine derivatives have been shown to have PKC inhibitory activity and to have promise for therapeutic uses, however, there remains a long-felt need for specific inhibitors of the enzymes.

There is also a desire to inhibit specific PKC isozymes, both as a research tool and as treatment for diseases which may be associated with particular isozymes. Godson et al. J. Biol. Chem. 268:11946-11950 (1993)! recently disclosed use of stable transfection of antisense PKC-α cDNA in cytomegalovirus promotor-based expression vectors to specifically decrease expression of PKC-α protein by approximately 70%. It was demonstrated that this inhibition causes a loss of phospholipase A₂ -mediated arachidonic acid release in response to the phorbol ester PMA. Attempts by the same researchers at inhibiting PKC activity with oligodeoxynucleotides were ultimately unsuccessful due to degradation of oligonucleotides.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is a principal object of the invention to provide therapies for neoplastic, hyperproliferative, inflammatory and other disease states associated with protein kinase C.

Another object of the invention is to provide selective therapies for diseases associated with particular isozymes of protein kinase C.

It is a further object of the invention to provide antisense oligonucleotides which are capable of modulating the expression of protein kinase C.

Another object of the invention is to provide antisense oligonucleotides which are capable of selectively modulating the expression of particular isozymes of protein kinase C.

Yet another object is to provide means for diagnosis of diseases associated with protein kinase C.

A further object of the invention is to provide means for differential diagnosis of diseases associated with particular isozymes of protein kinase C.

A still further object of the invention is to provide research tools for the study of the effects of protein kinase C expression and diseases associated therewith.

An additional object of the invention is to provide research tools for the study of the effects of expression of particular isozymes of protein kinase C and diseases associated therewith.

These and other objects of this invention will become apparent from a review of the instant specification.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1(a) and 1(b) are graphical depictions of the effects on PKC expression of antisense oligonucleotides hybridizable with PKC-α. Oligonucleotides are arranged by PKC target region, 5' to 3'.

FIG. 2 is a line graph showing dose-dependent reduction of PKC-α protein levels after oligonucleotide treatment of A549 cells. ▾=ISIS 4632; ▪=ISIS 4649; •=ISIS 4636; ▴=ISIS 4648.

FIG. 3 is a bar graph showing reduction of PKC-α mRNA after treatment of A549 cells with oligonucleotides. Hatched bars represent the 8.5 kb transcript, plain bars represent the 4.0 kb transcript.

FIG. 4 is a line graph showing the relationship between deoxy gap length and activity of chimeric oligonucleotides against PKC.

FIG. 5 is a line graph showing dose response curves for chimeric oligonucleotides (all SEQ ID NO: 3) with different deoxy gap lengths.

FIG. 6 is a bar graph showing the effects of several 2'-O-methyl chimeric oligonucleotides of SEQ ID NO: 3 on PKC-α mRNA levels. Hatched bars represent the 8.5 kb transcript, plain bars represent the 4.0 kb transcript.

FIG. 7 is a bar graph and diagram showing the effects of several 2'-O-methyl and 2'-O-propyl chimeric oligonucleotides (6996, 7273) of SEQ ID NO: 3 on PKC-α mRNA levels. Hatched bars represent the 8.5 kb transcript, plain bars represent the 4.0 kb transcript.

FIG. 8 is a bar graph and diagram showing the effects of additional 2'-O-methyl and 2'-O-propyl chimeric oligonucleotides (7008, 7294) of SEQ ID NO: 3 on PKC-α mRNA levels. Hatched bars represent the 8.5 kb transcript, plain bars represent the 4.0 kb transcript.

FIG. 9 is a set of bar graphs showing the effect of additional oligonucleotides on PKC-α mRNA levels. FIG. 9A shows oligonucleotides 6632, 6653 and 6665. FIG. 9B shows oligonucleotides 3521 (for comparison), 7082, 7083 and 7084. Hatched bars represent the 8.5 kb transcript, plain bars represent the 4.0 kb transcript.

FIG. 10 is a line graph showing anti-tumor activity of ISIS 3521. Each dashed line represents tumor volume in one animal treated with control oligonucleotide; each solid line represents tumor volume in one animal treated with ISIS 3521.

FIG. 11 is a set of line graphs showing effect of oligonucleotides on growth of human MDA-MB231 tumors in nude mice. FIG. 11A shows results obtained with ISIS 3521; FIG. 11B shows results obtained with ISIS3527. Each line represents tumor volume in one animal. •=control; ◯=oligonucleotide at 60 mg/kg; Δ=oligonucleotide at 6 mg/kg.

FIG. 12 is a bar graph showing effect of 20-mer phosphorothioate oligonucleotides on PKC-η expression in A549 cells.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, oligonucleotides are provided that are specifically hybridizable with DNA or RNA deriving from the gene that encodes PKC. The oligonucleotide comprises nucleotide units sufficient in identity and number to effect such specific hybridization. This relationship is commonly denominated as "antisense". In one preferred embodiment, the oligonucleotides are specifically hybridizable with the translation initiation codon of the gene, and preferably comprise a sequence CAT. In another preferred embodiment, the oligonucleotides are specifically hybridizable with the 5'-untranslated or 3'-untranslated regions of the gene. In yet another preferred embodiment, oligonucleotides are provided that are specifically hybridizable with DNA or mRNA encoding a particular PKC isozyme or a particular set of PKC isozymes. Such oligonucleotides may be conveniently and desirably presented in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

In accordance with other preferred embodiments, the oligonucleotides comprise one or more chemical modifications which convey some desired characteristic such as improved target affinity, cellular uptake or stability in the presence of cellular nucleases. Examples of modifications having such utility are 2'-O-alkyl and 2'-fluoro sugar modifications and phosphorothioate backbone modifications.

Other aspects of the invention are directed to methods for modulating the expression of PKC or of a particular PKC isozyme or set of isozymes in cells or tissues. Additional aspects of the invention are directed to methods of detection in cells or tissues of the DNA or RNA that encodes PKC and specific detection in cells or tissues of RNA or DNA that encodes particular PKC isozymes. Such methods comprise contacting cells or tissues suspected of containing said gene with oligonucleotides in accordance with the invention in order to interfere with the effect of or to detect said RNA or DNA.

Other aspects of the invention are directed to methods for diagnostics and therapeutics of animals suspected of having a disease associated with PKC or one of its isozymes. Such methods comprise contacting the animal or cells or tissues or a bodily fluid from the animal with oligonucleotides in accordance with the invention in order to modulate the expression of PKC, to treat conditions associated with PKC, or to effect a diagnosis thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Antisense oligonucleotides are now accepted as therapeutic agents having promise for the treatment of many human diseases. Oligonucleotides specifically bind (hybridize) to the complementary sequence of DNA, pre-mRNA or mature mRNA, as defined by Watson-Crick base pairing, interfering with the flow of genetic information from DNA to protein. The properties of antisense oligonucleotides which make them specific for their target sequence also make them extraordinarily versatile. Because antisense oligonucleotides are long chains of monomeric units, they may be readily synthesized for any target RNA sequence. Numerous recent studies have documented the utility of antisense oligonucleotides as biochemical tools for studying target proteins (Rothenberg et al., J. Natl. Cancer Inst., 81:1539-1544 (1989); Zon, G., Pharmaceutical Res., 5:539-549 (1988). Because of recent advances in oligonucleotide chemistry and synthesis of oligonucleotides which exhibit enhanced cell uptake, target binding affinity and nuclease resistance, it is now possible to consider the use of antisense oligonucleotides as a novel form of therapeutics. For example, antisense oligonucleotides targeted to c-myb have been used to completely eliminate myeloid leukemia cells from bone marrow derived from patients with acute myelogenous leukemia. Gewirtz and Calabretta, U.S. Pat. No. 5,098,890.

Antisense oligonucleotides offer an ideal solution to the problems encountered in prior art approaches. They can be designed to selectively inhibit a given isozyme or particular set of isozymes, or to inhibit all members of a given family of isozymes. They avoid non-specific mechanisms such as free radical scavenging. A complete understanding of enzyme mechanism is not needed to design specific inhibitors.

Current agents which modulate the activity or metabolism of protein kinase C exhibit many unacceptable side effects due to their lack of specificity, or they exhibit only limited effectiveness in inhibiting the enzyme. The instant invention circumvents problems encountered by prior workers by modulating the production of the enzyme, rather than inhibiting the enzyme directly, to achieve the therapeutic effect. In the instant invention, the oligonucleotide is designed to bind directly to mRNA or to a gene, ultimately modulating the amount of PKC protein made from the gene.

In the context of this invention, the term "oligonucleotide" refers to a polynucleotide formed from naturally occurring nucleobases and pentofuranosyl (sugar) groups joined by native phosphodiester bonds. This term effectively refers to naturally occurring species or synthetic species formed from naturally occurring subunits or their close homologs.

The term "oligonucleotide" may also refer to moieties which function similarly to naturally occurring oligonucleotides but which have non-naturally occurring portions. Thus, oligonucleotides may have altered sugar moieties, nucleobases or inter-sugar ("backbone") linkages. Such modified or substituted oligonucleotides are often preferred over native forms because of properties such as, for example, enhanced cellular uptake, enhanced target binding affinity and increased stability in the presence of nucleases.

Specific examples of some preferred oligonucleotides envisioned for this invention are those which contain intersugar backbone linkages such as phosphotriesters, methyl phosphonates, short chain alkyl or cycloalkyl intersugar linkages or short chain heteroatomic or heterocyclic intersugar linkages. Most preferred are those with CH₂ --NH--O--CH₂, CH₂ --N(CH₃)--O--CH₂, CH₂ --O--N(CH₃)--CH₂, CH₂ --N(CH₃)--N(CH₃)--CH₂ and O--N(CH₃)--CH₂ --CH₂ backbones (where phosphodiester is O--P--O--CH₂). Phosphorothioates are also most preferred. Also preferred are oligonucleotides having morpholino backbone structures. Summerton, J. E. and Weller, D. D., U.S. Pat. No. 5,034,506. In other preferred embodiments, such as the peptide nucleic acid (PNA--referred to by some as "protein nucleic acid") backbone, the phosphodiester backbone of the oligonucleotide may be replaced with a polyamide backbone wherein nucleosidic bases are bound directly or indirectly to aza nitrogen atoms or methylene groups in the polyamide backbone. see, e.g., P. E. Nielsen, M. Egholm, R. H. Berg, O. Buchardt, Science 1991, 254, 1497 and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/054,363, filed Apr. 26, 1993 and incorporated herein by reference. In accordance with other preferred embodiments, the phosphodiester bonds are substituted with structures which are chiral and enantiomerically specific. Persons of ordinary skill in the art will be able to select other linkages for use in practice of the invention.

Oligonucleotides may also include species which include at least one modified nucleobase. Thus, purines and pyrimidines other than those normally found in nature may be so employed. Similarly, modifications on the pentofuranosyl portion of the nucleotide subunits may also be effected, as long as the essential tenets of this invention are adhered to. Examples of such modifications are 2'-O-alkyl- and 2'-halogen-substituted nucleotides. Some specific examples of modifications at the 2' position of sugar moieties which are useful in the present invention are OH, SH, SCH₃, F, OCN, O(CH₂)_(n) NH₂ or O(CH₂)_(n) CH₃ where n is from 1 to about 10; C₁ to C₁₀ lower alkyl, substituted lower alkyl, alkaryl or aralkyl; Cl; Br; CN; CF₃ ; OCF₃ ; O-, S-, or N-alkyl; O-, S-, or N-alkenyl; SOCH₃ ; SO₂ CH₃ ; ONO₂ ; NO₂ ; N₃ ; NH₂ ; heterocycloalkyl; heterocycloalkaryl; aminoalkylamino; polyalkylamino; substituted silyl; an RNA cleaving group; a reporter group; an intercalator; a group for improving the pharmacokinetic properties of an oligonucleotide; or a group for improving the pharmacodynamic properties of an oligonucleotide and other substituents having similar properties. One or more pentofuranosyl groups may be replaced by another sugar, by a sugar mimic such as cyclobutyl or by another moiety which takes the place of the sugar.

Chimeric or "gapped" oligonucleotides are also preferred embodiments of the invention. These oligonucleotides contain two or more chemically distinct regions, each comprising at least one nucleotide. Typically, one or more region comprises modified nucleotides that confer one or more beneficial properties, for example, increased nuclease resistance, increased uptake into cells or increased binding affinity for the RNA target. One or more unmodified or differently modified regions retains the ability to direct Rnase H cleavage. Chimeric oligonucleotides are disclosed in PCT application US92/11339 which is assigned to the assignee of the instant application and which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. Examples of chimetic oligonucleotides which are presently preferred are 2'-O-methyl or 2'-O-propyl oligonucleotides having a "deoxy gap" region of 2'-deoxynucleotides. Usually this deoxy gap region is located between the two 2'-alkyl regions. In these preferred embodiments, the internucleotide (backbone) linkages may be uniformly phosphorothioate or some combination of phosphorothioate and phosphodiester linkages.

All such oligonucleotides are best described as being functionally interchangeable with natural oligonucleotides (or synthesized oligonucleotides along natural lines), but having one or more differences from natural structure. All such oligonucleotides are comprehended by this invention so long as they function effectively to hybridize with the PKC RNA.

The oligonucleotides in accordance with this invention preferably comprise from about 5 to about 50 nucleotide units. It is more preferred that such oligonucleotides comprise from about 8 to 30 nucleotide units, and still more preferred to have from about 12 to 25 nucleotide units. As will be appreciated, a nucleotide unit is a base-sugar combination (or a combination of analogous structures) suitably bound to an adjacent nucleotide unit through phosphodiester or other bonds forming a backbone structure.

The oligonucleotides used in accordance with this invention may be conveniently and routinely made through the well-known technique of solid phase synthesis. Equipment for such synthesis is sold by several vendors including Applied Biosystems. Any other means for such synthesis may also be employed; the actual synthesis of the oligonucleotides is well within the talents of the routineer. It is also well known to use similar techniques to prepare other oligonucleotides such as phosphorothioates or alkylated derivatives. Other modified and substituted oligomers can be similarly synthesized.

In accordance with this invention, persons of ordinary skill in the art will understand that messenger RNA includes not only the information to encode a protein using the three letter genetic code, but also associated ribonucleotides which form a region known to such persons as the 5'-untranslated region, the 3'-untranslated region, the 5' cap region and intron/exon junction ribonucleotides. Thus, oligonucleotides may be formulated in accordance with this invention which are targeted wholly or in part to these associated ribonucleotides as well as to the informational ribonucleotides. In preferred embodiments, the oligonucleotide is specifically hybridizable with a transcription initiation site, a translation initiation site, a 5' cap region, an intron/exon junction, coding sequences or sequences in the 5'- or 3'-untranslated region.

The oligonucleotides of this invention are designed to be hybridizable with messenger RNA derived from the PKC gene. Such hybridization, when accomplished, interferes with the normal roles of the messenger RNA to cause a modulation of its function in the cell. The functions of messenger RNA to be interfered with may include all vital functions such as translocation of the RNA to the site for protein translation, actual translation of protein from the RNA, splicing of the RNA to yield one or more mRNA species, and possibly even independent catalytic activity which may be engaged in by the RNA. The overall effect of such interference with the RNA function is to modulate expression of the PKC gene.

The oligonucleotides of this invention can be used in diagnostics, therapeutics, prophylaxis, and as research reagents and kits. Since the oligonucleotides of this invention hybridize to the PKC gene and its mRNA, sandwich and other assays can easily be constructed to exploit this fact. Furthermore, since the oligonucleotides of this invention hybridize specifically to particular isozymes of the PKC mRNA, such assays can be devised for screening of cells and tissues for particular PKC isozymes. Such assays can be utilized for diagnosis of diseases associated with various PKC forms. Provision of means for detecting hybridization of oligonucleotide with the PKC gene can routinely be accomplished. Such provision may include enzyme conjugation, radiolabelling or any other suitable detection systems. Kits for detecting the presence or absence of PKC may also be prepared.

For therapeutic or prophylactic treatment, oligonucleotides are administered in accordance with this invention. Oligonucleotides may be formulated in a pharmaceutical composition, which may include carriers, thickeners, diluents, buffers, preservatives, surface active agents and the like in addition to the oligonucleotide. Pharmaceutical compositions may also include one or more active ingredients such as antimicrobial agents, antiinflammatory agents, anesthetics, and the like in addition to oligonucleotides.

The pharmaceutical composition may be administered in a number of ways depending on whether local or systemic treatment is desired, and on the area to be treated. Administration may be done topically (including ophthalmically, vaginally, rectally, intranasally), orally, by inhalation, or parenterally, for example by intravenous drip or subcutaneous, intraperitoneal or intramuscular injection.

Formulations for topical administration may include ointments, lotions, creams, gels, drops, suppositories, sprays, liquids and powders. Conventional pharmaceutical carriers, aqueous, powder or oily bases, thickeners and the like may be necessary or desirable. Coated condoms may also be useful.

Compositions for oral administration include powders or granules, suspensions or solutions in water or non-aqueous media, capsules, sachets, or tablets. Thickeners, flavorings, diluents, emulsifiers, dispersing aids or binders may be desirable.

Formulations for parenteral administration may include sterile aqueous solutions which may also contain buffers, diluents and other suitable additives.

Dosing is dependent on severity and responsiveness of the condition to be treated, but will normally be one or more doses per day, with course of treatment lasting from several days to several months or until a cure is effected or a diminution of disease state is achieved. Persons of ordinary skill can easily determine optimum dosages, dosing methodologies and repetition rates.

The following examples illustrate the present invention and are not intended to limit the same.

EXAMPLES Example 1

Oligonucleotide synthesis:

Unmodified DNA oligonucleotides were synthesized on an automated DNA synthesizer (Applied Biosystems model 380B) using standard phosphoramidite chemistry with oxidation by iodine. β-cyanoethyldiisopropyl-phosphoramidites were purchased from Applied Biosystems (Foster City, Calif.). For phosphorothioate oligonucleotides, the standard oxidation bottle was replaced by a 0.2M solution of 3H-1,2-benzodithiole-3-one 1,1-dioxide in acetonitrile for the stepwise thiation of the phosphite linkages. The thiation cycle wait step was increased to 68 seconds and was followed by the capping step.

2'-O-methyl phosphorothioate oligonucleotides were synthesized according to the procedures set forth above substituting 2'-O-methyl β-cyanoethyldiisopropyl phosphoramidites (Chemgenes, Needham, Mass.) for standard phosphoramidites and increasing the wait cycle after the pulse delivery of tetrazole and base to 360 seconds. Similarly, 2'-O-propyl phosphorothioate oligonucleotides may be prepared by slight modifications of this procedure.

After cleavage from the controlled pore glass column (Applied Biosystems) and deblocking in concentrated ammonium hydroxide at 55° C. for 18 hours, the oligonucleotides were purified by precipitation twice out of 0.5M NaCl with 2.5 volumes ethanol. Analytical gel electrophoresis was accomplished in 20% acrylamide, 8M urea, 45 mM Tris-borate buffer, Ph 7.0.

The oligonucleotides tested are presented in Table 1. Sequence data are from the cDNA sequence published by Finkenzeller et al., Nucl. Acids Res. 18:2183 (1990); Genbank accession number X52479. The sequence numbers given under the oligonucleotides are relative to the first residue to be sequenced on the cDNA, which is 28 residues upstream of the ATG start codon.

                  TABLE 1                                                          ______________________________________                                         OLIGONUCLEOTIDES TARGETED TO HUMAN PKC-α                                 SEQ                                   ISIS                                     ID   Sequence               Target    #                                        ______________________________________                                               ##STR1##              5' Untranslated                                                                          3520                                     2                                                                                    ##STR2##              3' Untranslated                                                                          3521                                     3                                                                                    ##STR3##              Translation init. codon                                                                  3522                                     4                                                                                    ##STR4##              3' Untranslated                                                                          3526                                     5                                                                                    ##STR5##              3' Untranslated                                                                          3527                                     6                                                                                    ##STR6##              Translation init codon                                                                   3674                                     7                                                                                    ##STR7##              Internal (C1) domain                                                                     3682                                     8                                                                                    ##STR8##              Internal (C1) domain                                                                     3686                                     9                                                                                    ##STR9##              Internal (C1) domain                                                                     3687                                     10                                                                                   ##STR10##             3' Untranslated                                                                          3695                                     11                                                                                   ##STR11##             3' Untranslated                                                                          3875                                     12                                                                                   ##STR12##             3' Untranslated                                                                          3878                                     13                                                                                   ##STR13##             3' Untranslated                                                                          3879                                     14                                                                                   ##STR14##             3' Untranslated                                                                          3884                                     15                                                                                   ##STR15##             3' Untranslated                                                                          3885                                     16                                                                                   ##STR16##             Internal (C3) domain                                                                     3886                                     17                                                                                   ##STR17##             Translation init. codon                                                                  3890                                     18                                                                                   ##STR18##             Internal (V1) domain                                                                     3891                                     19                                                                                   ##STR19##             Internal (C3) domain                                                                     3892                                     20                                                                                   ##STR20##             3' Untranslated                                                                          3947                                     ______________________________________                                    

Example 2

Cell culture and treatment with phorbol esters and oligonucleotides targeted to PKC-α:

PKC protein half-lives have been reported to vary from 6.7 hours to over 24 hours Young et al., Biochem. J. 244:775-779 (1987); Ballester et al., J. Biol. Chem. 260:15194-15199 (1985)!. These long half-lives make inhibiting steady-state levels of PKC-α an unwieldy approach when screening antisense oligonucleotides, due to the long incubation times which would be required. We have therefore made use of the ability of phorbol esters to reversibly lower intracellular levels of PKC. Treatment of cells with phorbol esters causes an initial activation of kinase activity, followed by a down-regulation of PKC. For PKC-α this down-regulation has been shown to be a direct consequence of an increased rate of proteolysis of the kinase with no apparent change in synthetic rate.

We determined that in human lung carcinoma (A549) cells, treatment with the phorbol ester 12,13-dibutyrate (PDBu), using a modification of the method of Krug et al., Krug et al., J. Biol. Chem. 262:11852-11856 (1987)!lowered cellular levels of PKC-α, without affecting PKC-α mRNA levels, and that this effect was reversible. The basis of the assay to screen for potency of oligonucleotides targeting PKC-α is to initially lower PKC-α protein levels by chronic treatment with PDBu, remove PDBu by extensively washing the cells (hence allowing the cells to synthesize fresh PKC-α protein), and incubate the cells with oligonucleotides intended to inhibit the resynthesis of new PKC-α protein.

Procedure: A549 cells (obtained from the American Type Culture Collection, Bethesda Md.) were grown to confluence in 6-well plates (Falcon Labware, Lincoln Park, N.J.) in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (DME) containing 1 g glucose/liter and 10% fetal calf serum (FCS, Irvine Scientific, Santa Ana, Calif.).

Cells were treated with 500 nM PDBu (Sigma Chem. Co., St. Louis, Mo.) for 12-16 hours (overnight). Cells were then washed three times in DME at 37° C., and 1 ml DMA containing 20 μl DOTMA (Lipofectin reagent, BRL, Bethesda, Md.) was added. Oligonucleotides were added to a concentration of 1 μM and the cells were incubated for a further 4 hours at 37° C.

Cells were washed once in 3 ml DME containing 0.1 mg/ml BSA and a further 2 ml DME containing 0.1 mg/ml BSA was added. Oligonucleotides (1 μM) were added and the cells were incubated at 37° C. for 24 hours.

Cells were washed three times in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and cellular proteins were extracted in 120 μl sample buffer (60 mM Tris pH 6.8, 2% SDS, 10% glycerol, 10 mM dithiothreitol) and boiled for 5 minutes. Intracellular levels of PKC-α protein were determined by immunoblotting.

Example 3

Immunoblot assay for PKC expression:

Cell extracts were electrophoresed on 10% SDS-PAGE mini-gels. The resolved proteins were transferred to Immobilon-P membrane (Millipore, Bedford Mass.) by electrophoretic transfer and the membrane was blocked for 60 minutes in TBS (Tris-HCl pH 7.4, 150 mM NaCl) containing 5% nonfat milk. The membrane was then incubated for 16 hours at 4° C. with monoclonal antibodies raised against PKC-α (UBI, Lake Placid N.Y.) diluted to 0.2 μg/ml in TBS containing 0.2% nonfat milk. This was followed by three washes in TBS plus 0.2% nonfat milk. The membrane was then incubated for one hour with ¹²⁵ I-labelled goat anti-mouse secondary antibody (ICN Radiochemicals, Irvine Calif.). Membranes were then washed extensively in TBS plus 0.2% nonfat milk. Bands were visualized and quantitated using a Phosphorimager (Molecular Dynamics, Sunnyvale, Calif.). PKC-α appears as a single band with a molecular weight of 80 kD.

Each oligonucleotide was tested three times, in triplicate, and the results of the experiments were normalized against percentage of protein present as compared to cells which were not treated with oligonucleotide (FIGS. 1a and 1b). The five most effective oligonucleotides target the AUG start codon and regions slightly upstream and downstream from it (Sequence Nos. 1, 3, 17, 7, 6). The next most effective oligonucleotides are targeted toward the 3' untranslated region of the RNA (oligos 2, 5, 14).

Example 4

Other isozymes of PKC:

Results with oligonucleotides targeting human PKC-α demonstrated that the most effective target sequences were those surrounding the translation initiation codon and the 3' untranslated region. It is believed that these sequences will also be effective targets for oligonucleotides directed against other isozymes of PKC. The other isozymes of human PKC for which sequence data are available are PKC-β (types I and II), PKC-γ (partial sequence) and PKC-η. Antisense oligonucleotides which are likely to be effective inhibitors of PKC are identified below. These oligonucleotides are synthesized as in Example 1, and can be screened as in Examples 2 and 3, using appropriate antibodies where available. Alternatively, a reporter gene assay system can be established, transiently co-expressing the desired isozyme of PKC with luciferase under the influence of the TPA-responsive enhancer or other suitable promoter. PKC expression is then assayed by measuring luciferase activity using standard procedures. Luciferase is extracted from cells by lysis with the detergent Triton X-100, as described by Greenberg, M. E., in Current Protocols in Molecular Biology, (F. M. Ausubel, R. Brent, R. E. Kingston, D. D. Moore, J. A. Smith, J. G. Seidman and K. Strahl, eds.), John Wiley and Sons, New York (1987). A Dynatech ML1000 luminometer is used to measure peak luminescence upon addition of luciferin (Sigma) to 625 μM.

PKC-β, types I and II

Sequence data are from Kubo et al., FEBS Lett. 223: 138-142 (1987); Genbank accession numbers X06318, M27545, X07109. Sequences are numbered from the first 5' base sequenced on the cDNA. PKC-β types I and II are the result of alternative mRNA splicing of a single gene product. This results in proteins with identical amino termini (5' end of the mRNA); however, there is sequence divergence in the carboxy termini (3' end of the mRNA). The following oligonucleotides, targeted to the translation initiation codon, are expected to modulate expression of both PKC-β types I and II:

                  TABLE 2                                                          ______________________________________                                         OLIGONUCLEOTIDES TARGETED TO PKC-β TYPES I AND II                         SEQ                                                                            ID    Sequence               Target                                            ______________________________________                                         21                                                                                    ##STR21##             Translation init.                                 22                                                                                    ##STR22##             "                                                 23                                                                                    ##STR23##             "                                                 24                                                                                    ##STR24##             "                                                 ______________________________________                                    

The following antisense oligonucleotides are targeted to the 3'-untranslated region of PKC-β type I:

                  TABLE 3                                                          ______________________________________                                         OLIGONUCLEOTIDES TARGETED TO PKC-β TYPE I                                 SEQ. ID                                                                               Sequence               Target                                           ______________________________________                                         25                                                                                     ##STR25##             3' Untranslated                                  26                                                                                     ##STR26##             "                                                27                                                                                     ##STR27##             "                                                28                                                                                     ##STR28##             "                                                29                                                                                     ##STR29##             "                                                ______________________________________                                    

The following antisense oligonucleotides are targeted to the 3'-untranslated region of PKC-β Type II:

                  TABLE 4                                                          ______________________________________                                         OLIGONUCLEOTIDES TARGETED TO PKC-β TYPE II                                SEQ. ID                                                                               Sequence               Target                                           ______________________________________                                         30                                                                                     ##STR30##             3' Untranslated                                  31                                                                                     ##STR31##             "                                                32                                                                                     ##STR32##             "                                                33                                                                                     ##STR33##             "                                                34                                                                                     ##STR34##             "                                                ______________________________________                                    

PKC-γ:

Sequence data are from Coussens et al., Science 859-866 (1986); Genbank accession number M13977. Sequences are numbered from the first 5' base sequenced in the cDNA. The full sequence is not available: the extreme 3' end of the open reading frame and the 3' untranslated region are missing. Consequently these regions are not presently available as antisense targets.

                  TABLE 5                                                          ______________________________________                                         OLIGONUCLEOTIDES TARGETED TO PKC-γ                                       SEQ.                                                                           ID    Sequence               Target                                            ______________________________________                                         35                                                                                    ##STR35##             5' Untranslated                                   36                                                                                    ##STR36##             Translation init.                                 37                                                                                    ##STR37##             5' of start codon                                 38                                                                                    ##STR38##             5' Untranslated                                   39                                                                                    ##STR39##             Translation init.                                 ______________________________________                                    

PKC-η:

Sequence data for PKC-η are from Bacher and colleagues Bacher et al., Mol. Cell. Biol. 11:126-133 (1991)!; Genbank accession number M55284. They assign their isozyme the name PKC-L; however the sequence is almost identical to that of mouse PKC-η, so the latter nomenclature is used here for consistency. Sequences are numbered from the first 5' base sequenced in the cDNA.

                  TABLE 6                                                          ______________________________________                                         OLIGONUCLEOTIDES TARGETED TO PKC-η                                         SEQ.                                                                           ID    Sequence               Target                                            ______________________________________                                         40                                                                                    ##STR40##             Translation init.                                 41                                                                                    ##STR41##             "                                                 42                                                                                    ##STR42##             "                                                 43                                                                                    ##STR43##             "                                                 44                                                                                    ##STR44##             "                                                 45                                                                                    ##STR45##             "                                                 46                                                                                    ##STR46##             "                                                 47                                                                                    ##STR47##             3' Untranslated                                   48                                                                                    ##STR48##             "                                                 49                                                                                    ##STR49##             "                                                 50                                                                                    ##STR50##             "                                                 51                                                                                    ##STR51##             "                                                 ______________________________________                                    

Example 5

Dose response of phosphorothioate/2'-O-methyl oligonucleotide effects on PKC-α protein synthesis:

A series of phosphorothioate, fully 2'-O-methyl oligonucleotides having SEQ ID NO: 1, 2, 3 and 5 were synthesized. A549 cells were treated with 500 nM PDBu for 18 hours to downregulate PKC-α synthesis, washed to remove PDBu and then treated with oligonucleotide and DOTMA/DOPE cationic liposomes. Medium was replaced after four hours and the cells were allowed to recover for another 20 hours. Proteins were extracted and PKC-α protein levels were determined by immunoblotting as described in Example 3. Results were quantified with a phosphorimager (Molecular Dynamics, Sunnyvale Calif.) and are shown in FIG. 2 expressed as percent of control (saline treatment). ISIS 4649 (SEQ ID NO: 3; squares) reduced PKC-α protein levels by 85-90% at 500 nM and had an IC50 of approximately 260 nM.

Example 6

Effect of antisense oligonucleotides on PKC-α mRNA levels:

A549 cells were treated with phosphorothioate oligonucleotides at 500 nM for four hours in the presence of the cationic lipids DOTMA/DOPE, washed and allowed to recover for an additional 20 hours. Total RNA was extracted and 20 μg of each was resolved on 1.2% gels and transferred to nylon membranes. These blots were probed with a ³² P radiolabeled PKC-α cDNA probe and then stripped and reprobed with a radiolabeled G3PDH probe to confirm equal RNA loading. Each oligonucleotide (3520, 3521, 3522 and 3527) was used in duplicate. The two major PKC-α transcripts (8.5 kb and 4.0 kb) were examined and quantified with a PhosphorImager (Molecular Dynamics, Sunnyvale Calif.). Results are shown in FIG. 3. Oligonucleotides 3521 (SEQ ID NO: 2), 3522 (SEQ ID NO: 3) and 3527 (SEQ ID NO: 5) gave better than 50% reduction of PKC-α mRNA levels. Oligonucleotides 3521 and 3527 gave approximately 80% reduction of the smaller transcript and over 90% reduction of the larger transcript.

Example 7

Chimeric (deoxy gapped) 2'-O-methyl oligonucleotides:

Oligonucleotides 3521 (SEQ ID NO: 2), 3522 (SEQ ID NO: 3) and 3527 (SEQ ID NO: 5) were chosen for further study and modification. Oligonucleotides having these sequences were synthesized as uniformly phosphorothioate chimeric oligonucleotides having a centered deoxy gap of various lengths flanked by 2'-O-methylated regions. These oligonucleotides (500 nM concentration) were tested for effects on PKC-α mRNA levels by Northern blot analysis. Results are shown in FIG. 4. Deoxy gaps of eight nucleotides or more gave maximal reduction of PKC-α mRNA levels (both transcripts) in all cases. The oligonucleotide having SEQ ID NO: 3 reduced PKC-α mRNA by approximately 83% with a deoxy gap length of four nucleotides, and gave nearly complete reduction of PKC-α mRNA with a deoxy gap length of six or more.

Dose-response curves for these oligonucleotides are shown in FIG. 5. The 2'-O-methyl chimeric oligonucleotides with four- or six-nucleotide deoxy gaps have an IC50 for PKC-α mRNA reduction (concentration of oligonucleotide needed to give a 50% reduction in PKC-α mRNA levels) of 200-250 nM, as did the full-deoxy oligonucleotide (all are phosphorothioates throughout). The 2'-O-methyl chimeric oligonucleotide with an 8-nucleotide deoxy gap had an IC50 of approximately 85 nM.

Several variations of this chimeric oligonucleotide (SEQ. ID NO: 3) were compared for ability to lower PKC-α mRNA levels. These oligonucleotides are shown in Table 7.

                  TABLE 7                                                          ______________________________________                                         Chimeric 2'-O-methyl/deoxy P = S oligonucleotides                              bold = 2'-O-methyl; s = P = S linkage, o = P = O linkage                                                         SEQ                                                                            ID                                           OLIGO #                                                                               SEQUENCE                   NO:                                          ______________________________________                                         3522   AsAsAsAsCsGsTsCsAsGsCsCsAsTsGsGsTsCsCsC                                                                   3                                            5252   AsAsAsAsCsGsTsCsAsGsCsCsAsTsGsGsTsCsCsC                                                                   3                                            6996   AoAoAoAoCoGsTsCsAsGsCsCsAsTsGoGoToCoCoC                                                                   3                                            7008   AsAoAoAoCoGsTsCsAsGsCsCsAsTsGoGoToCoCsC                                                                   3                                            7024   AsAoAoAoCoGsToCsAoGsCoCsAsTsGoGoToCoCsC                                                                   3                                            ______________________________________                                    

Effects of these oligonucleotides on PKC-α mRNA levels is shown in FIG. 6. Oligonucleotides 7008, 3522 and 5352 show reduction of PKC-α mRNA, with 5352 being most active.

A series of 2'-O-propyl chimeric oligonucleotides was synthesized having SEQ ID NO: 3. These oligonucleotides are shown in Table 8.

                  TABLE 8                                                          ______________________________________                                         Chimeric 2'-O-propyl/deoxy P = S oligonucleotides                              bold = 2'-O-propyl; s = P = S linkage, o = P = O linkage                                                         SEQ                                                                            ID                                           OLIGO #                                                                               SEQUENCE                   NO:                                          ______________________________________                                         7199   AsAsAsAsCsGsTsCsAsGsCsCsAsTsGsGsTsCsCsC                                                                   3                                            7273   AoAoAoAoCoGsTsCsAsGsCsCsAsTsGoGoToCoCoC                                                                   3                                            7294   AsAoAoAoCoGsTsCsAsGsCsCsAsTsGoGoToCoCsC                                                                   3                                            7295   AsAoAoAoCoGsToCsAoGsCoCsAsTsGoGoToCoCsC                                                                   3                                            ______________________________________                                    

These 2'-O-propyl chimeric oligonucleotides were compared to the 2'-O-methyl chimeric oligonucleotides. Oligonucleotides 7273 and 7294 were more active than their 2'-O-methyl counterparts at lowering PKC-α mRNA levels. This is shown in FIGS. 7 and 8.

Example 8

Additional oligonucleotides which decrease PKC-α mRNA:

Additional phosphorothioate oligonucleotides targeted to the human PKC-α 3' untranslated region were designed and synthesized. These sequences are shown in Table 9.

                  TABLE 9                                                          ______________________________________                                         Chimeric 2'-O-propyl/deoxy P = S oligonucleotides                              targeted to PKC-α 3'-UTR                                                 bold = 2'-O-propyl; s = P = S linkage, o = P = O linkage                                                        SEQ                                           OLIGO #                                                                               SEQUENCE                  ID NO:                                        ______________________________________                                         6632   TsTsCs TsCsGs CsTsGs GsTsGs AsGsTs TsTsC                                                                 52                                            6653   TsTsCs TsCsGs CsTsGs GsTsGs AsGsTs TsTsC                                                                 52                                            6665   ToToCo TsCsGs CsTsGs GsTsGs AsGsTo ToToC                                                                 52                                            7082   TsCsTs CsGsCs TsGsGs TsGsAs GsTsTs TsC                                                                   53                                            7083   TsCsTs CsGsCs TsGsGs TsGsAs GsTsTs TsC                                                                   53                                            7084   ToCoTo CsGsCs TsGsGs TsGsAs GsToTo ToC                                                                   53                                            ______________________________________                                    

As shown in FIG. 9, oligonucleotides 6632, 6653, 7082 and 7083 are most active in reducing PKC-α mRNA levels.

Example 9

Culture of human A549 lung tumor cells:

The human lung carcinoma cell line A549 was obtained from the American Type Culture Collection (Bethesda Md.). Cells were grown in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium (Irvine Scientific, Irvine Calif.) containing 1 gm glucose/liter and 10% fetal calf serum (Irvine Scientific). Cells were trypsinized and washed and resuspended in the same medium for introduction into mice.

Example 10

Effect of ISIS 3521 on the growth of human A549 tumor cells in nude mice:

200 μl of A549 cells (5×10⁶ cells) were implanted subcutaneously in the inner thigh of nude mice. ISIS 3521, a phosphorothioate oligonucleotide with Sequence ID NO 2 was administered twice weekly for four weeks, beginning one week following tumor cell inoculation. Oligonucleotides were formulated with cationic lipids (DMRIE/DOPE) and given subcutaneously in the vicinity of the tumor. Oligonucleotide dosage was 5 mg/kg with 60 mg/kg cationic lipid. Tumor size was recorded weekly.

As shown in FIG. 10, tumor growth was almost completely inhibited in two of the three mice, and reduced compared to control in the third mouse. This inhibition of tumor growth by ISIS 3521 is statistically significant. The control oligonucleotide (ISIS 1082) is a 21-mer phosphorothioate oligonucleotide without significant sequence homology to the PKC mRNA target.

Administration of oligonucleotides to mice whose tumors had already reached detectable size had no discernable effect on subsequent tumor growth.

Example 11

Effect of antisense oligonucleotides on growth of human MDA-MB231 tumors in nude mice:

MDA-MB231 human breast carcinoma cells were obtained from the American Type Culture Collection (Bethesda, Md.). Serially transplanted MDA-MB231 tumors were established subcutaneously in nude mice. Beginning two weeks later, oligonucleotides 3521 and 3527, a phosphorothioate oligonucleotide having Sequence ID NO. 5, in saline, were administered intravenously daily for 14 days at dosages of 60 mg/kg and 6 mg/kg. Control oligonucleotide ISIS 1082 was also administered at these doses, and a saline control was also given. Tumor growth rates were monitored for the two-week period of oligonucleotide administration. As shown in FIG. 11, both PKC-α oligonucleotides (3521 and 3527) significantly inhibit tumor growth at dosages of 60 mg/kg and 6 mg/kg. The control oligonucleotide (ISIS 1082) also showed some reduction in tumor growth, but this effect was less than with antisense oligonucleotides even at high doses, and considerably less at the lower dose. A lower-dose study was conducted using the same oligonucleotides at 6 mg/kg and 0.6 mg/kg. At 0.6 mg/kg ISIS 3521 significantly reduced tumor growth. At this concentration, ISIS 3527 also reduced tumor growth, but this result was not statistically significant.

Example 12

Effect of oligonucleotides on the growth of murine Lewis lung carcinoma in mice:

Serially transplanted murine Lewis lung carcinomas were established in mice. Oligonucleotides 3521 and 3527 were administered intravenously every day for 14 days at doses of 6 mg/kg and 0.6 mg/kg. Tumor growth rates were monitored for the two-week period of oligonucleotide administration. As expected, these oligonucleotides, which are targeted to human PKC sequences, had insignificant effects on the mouse-derived tumors.

Example 13

Effects of antisense oligonucleotide ISIS 4189 on endogenous PKC-α expression in hairless mice:

In order to study oligonucleotide effects on endogenous PKC mRNA levels in normal animals, it was necessary to employ an oligonucleotide complementary to the murine PKC-α. ISIS 4189 is a 20-mer phosphorothioate oligonucleotide targeted to the AUG codon of mouse PKC-α. This region is without homology to the human PKC sequence and the oligonucleotide has no effect on expression of PKC-α in human cells. ISIS 4189 has an IC50 of 200 nM for mRNA reduction in C127 mouse breast epithelial cells. ISIS 4189 in saline was administered intraperitoneally to hairless mice at concentrations of 1, 10 or 100 mg/kg body weight. Injections were given daily for seven days. Tissues from liver, kidney, spleen, lung and skin were removed and PKC-α mRNA and protein levels were determined. Histopathological examination was also performed on liver, kidney and lung samples. ISIS 4189 at 100 mg/kg inhibited endogenous PKC-α mRNA levels in the mouse liver to 10-15% of control (saline) levels.

Example 14

Screening of antisense oligonucleotides complementary to human PKC-η:

A series of 20-mer phosphorothioate oligonucleotides complementary to human PKC-η were synthesized. These oligonucleotides were screened at a concentration of 500 nM for ability to decrease PKC-η mRNA levels in human A549 cells, using a Northern blot assay. The oligonucleotide sequences are shown in Table 10 and the results are shown in FIG. 12.

                  TABLE 10                                                         ______________________________________                                         OLIGONUCLEOTIDES TARGETED TO HUMAN PKC-η mRNA                              SEQ                                   SEQ                                      ID   Sequence                 Target  ID                                       ______________________________________                                         6431 CGA    CAT    GCC  GGC  GCC  GCT  GC   AUG   40                           6442 CAG    ACG    ACA  TGC  CGG  CGC  CG   AUG   41                           6443 GCC    TGC    TTC  GCA  GCG  GGA  GA   5' UTR                                                                               42                           6432 ACA    GGT    GCA  GGA  GTC  GAG  GC   5' UTR                                                                               43                           6433 GTC    CCG    TCT  CAG  GCC  AGC  CC5' UTR   44                           6435 CCT    CAC    CGA  TGC  GGA  CCC  TC   Coding                                                                               45                           6441 ATT    GAA    CTT  CAT  GGT  GCC  AG   Coding                                                                               46                           6581 TCT    CAC    TCC  CCA  TAA  GGC  TA   3' UTR                                                                               47                           6580 TTC    CTT    TGG  GTT  CTC  GTG  CC   3' UTR                                                                               48                           6436 AAC    TCG    AGG  TGG  CCG  CCG  TC   Coding                                                                               54                           6434 CGC    CTT    CGC  ATA  GCC  CTT  TG   Coding                                                                               55                           6444 GGA    AGG    GGT  GAT  TGC  GGG  CC   Coding                                                                               56                           6445 AAC    ACG    CCC  ATT  GCC  CAC  CA   Coding                                                                               57                           6446 GTC    TCA    AGA  TGG  CGT  GCT  CG   Coding                                                                               58                           6553 GCG    ATG    GTT  CAG  CTG  GGC  CC   Coding                                                                               59                           6605 GCC    CTC    TCT  CTC  ACT  CCC  CA   3' UTR                                                                               60                           6579 CTG    GGA    AGG  TCC  GAT  AGA  GG   3' UTR                                                                               61                           6603 AAG    GCT    GAT  GCT  GGG  AAG  GT   3' UTR                                                                               62                           ______________________________________                                    

Oligonucleotides 6432, 6443, 6431, 6442, 6435, 6434, 6445, 6553, 6581 and 6603 reduced PKC-η mRNA levels by greater than 50%. The most potent oligonucleotides were ISIS 6581 (targeting 3' untranslated region) and ISIS 6445 (targeting coding region) which gave nearly complete loss of PKC mRNA in this assay.

    __________________________________________________________________________     SEQUENCE LISTING                                                               (1) GENERAL INFORMATION:                                                       (iii) NUMBER OF SEQUENCES: 62                                                  (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 1:                                              (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:                                                  (A) LENGTH: 20                                                                 (B) TYPE: nucleic acid                                                         (C) STRANDEDNESS: single                                                       (D) TOPOLOGY: linear                                                           (iv) ANTI-SENSE: yes                                                           (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO: 1:                                       CCCCAACCACCTCTTGCTCC20                                                         (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 2:                                              (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:                                                  (A) LENGTH: 20                                                                 (B) TYPE: nucleic acid                                                         (C) STRANDEDNESS: single                                                       (D) TOPOLOGY: linear                                                           (iv) ANTI-SENSE: yes                                                           (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO: 2:                                       GTTCTCGCTGGTGAGTTTCA20                                                         (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 3:                                              (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:                                                  (A) LENGTH: 20                                                                 (B) TYPE: nucleic acid                                                         (C) STRANDEDNESS: single                                                       (D) TOPOLOGY: linear                                                           (iv) ANTI-SENSE: yes                                                           (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO: 3:                                       AAAACGTCAGCCATGGTCCC20                                                         (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 4:                                              (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:                                                  (A) LENGTH: 20                                                                 (B) TYPE: nucleic acid                                                         (C) STRANDEDNESS: single                                                       (D) TOPOLOGY: linear                                                           (iv) ANTI-SENSE: yes                                                           (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO: 4:                                       GGATTCACTTCCACTGCGGG20                                                         (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 5:                                              (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:                                                  (A) LENGTH: 20                                                                 (B) TYPE: nucleic acid                                                         (C) STRANDEDNESS: single                                                       (D) TOPOLOGY: linear                                                           (iv) ANTI-SENSE: yes                                                           (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO: 5:                                       GAGACCCTGAACAGTTGATC20                                                         (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 6:                                              (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:                                                  (A) LENGTH: 20                                                                 (B) TYPE: nucleic acid                                                         (C) STRANDEDNESS: single                                                       (D) TOPOLOGY: linear                                                           (iv) ANTI-SENSE: yes                                                           (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO: 6:                                       CCCGGGAAAACGTCAGCCAT20                                                         (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 7:                                              (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:                                                  (A) LENGTH: 20                                                                 (B) TYPE: nucleic acid                                                         (C) STRANDEDNESS: single                                                       (D) TOPOLOGY: linear                                                           (iv) ANTI-SENSE: yes                                                           (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO: 7:                                       CTGCCTCAGCGCCCCTTTGC20                                                         (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 8:                                              (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:                                                  (A) LENGTH: 20                                                                 (B) TYPE: nucleic acid                                                         (C) STRANDEDNESS: single                                                       (D) TOPOLOGY: linear                                                           (iv) ANTI-SENSE: yes                                                           (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO: 8:                                       AGTCGGTGCAGTGGCTGGAG20                                                         (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 9:                                              (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:                                                  (A) LENGTH: 20                                                                 (B) TYPE: nucleic acid                                                         (C) STRANDEDNESS: single                                                       (D) TOPOLOGY: linear                                                           (iv) ANTI-SENSE: yes                                                           (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO: 9:                                       GCAGAGGCTGGGGACATTGA20                                                         (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 10:                                             (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:                                                  (A) LENGTH: 20                                                                 (B) TYPE: nucleic acid                                                         (C) STRANDEDNESS: single                                                       (D) TOPOLOGY: linear                                                           (iv) ANTI-SENSE: yes                                                           (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO: 10:                                      GGGCTGGGGAGGTGTTTGTT20                                                         (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 11:                                             (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:                                                  (A) LENGTH: 20                                                                 (B) TYPE: nucleic acid                                                         (C) STRANDEDNESS: single                                                       (D) TOPOLOGY: linear                                                           (iv) ANTI-SENSE: yes                                                           (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO: 11:                                      CACTGCGGGGAGGGCTGGGG20                                                         (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 12:                                             (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:                                                  (A) LENGTH: 20                                                                 (B) TYPE: nucleic acid                                                         (C) STRANDEDNESS: single                                                       (D) TOPOLOGY: linear                                                           (iv) ANTI-SENSE: yes                                                           (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO: 12:                                      AGCCGTGGCCTTAAAATTTT20                                                         (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 13:                                             (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:                                                  (A) LENGTH: 20                                                                 (B) TYPE: nucleic acid                                                         (C) STRANDEDNESS: single                                                       (D) TOPOLOGY: linear                                                           (iv) ANTI-SENSE: yes                                                           (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO: 13:                                      ATTTTCAGGCCTCCATATGG20                                                         (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 14:                                             (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:                                                  (A) LENGTH: 20                                                                 (B) TYPE: nucleic acid                                                         (C) STRANDEDNESS: single                                                       (D) TOPOLOGY: linear                                                           (iv) ANTI-SENSE: yes                                                           (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO: 14:                                      AAGAGAGAGACCCTGAACAG20                                                         (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 15:                                             (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:                                                  (A) LENGTH: 20                                                                 (B) TYPE: nucleic acid                                                         (C) STRANDEDNESS: single                                                       (D) TOPOLOGY: linear                                                           (iv) ANTI-SENSE: yes                                                           (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO: 15:                                      GATAATGTTCTTGGTTGTAA20                                                         (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 16:                                             (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:                                                  (A) LENGTH: 20                                                                 (B) TYPE: nucleic acid                                                         (C) STRANDEDNESS: single                                                       (D) TOPOLOGY: linear                                                           (iv) ANTI-SENSE: yes                                                           (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO: 16:                                      ATGGGGTGCACAAACTGGGG20                                                         (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 17:                                             (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:                                                  (A) LENGTH: 20                                                                 (B) TYPE: nucleic acid                                                         (C) STRANDEDNESS: single                                                       (D) TOPOLOGY: linear                                                           (iv) ANTI-SENSE: yes                                                           (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO: 17:                                      GTCAGCCATGGTCCCCCCCC20                                                         (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 18:                                             (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:                                                  (A) LENGTH: 20                                                                 (B) TYPE: nucleic acid                                                         (C) STRANDEDNESS: single                                                       (D) TOPOLOGY: linear                                                           (iv) ANTI-SENSE: yes                                                           (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO: 18:                                      CGCCGTGGAGTCGTTGCCCG20                                                         (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 19:                                             (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:                                                  (A) LENGTH: 20                                                                 (B) TYPE: nucleic acid                                                         (C) STRANDEDNESS: single                                                       (D) TOPOLOGY: linear                                                           (iv) ANTI-SENSE: yes                                                           (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO: 19:                                      TCAAATGGAGGCTGCCCGGC20                                                         (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 20:                                             (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:                                                  (A) LENGTH: 20                                                                 (B) TYPE: nucleic acid                                                         (C) STRANDEDNESS: single                                                       (D) TOPOLOGY: linear                                                           (iv) ANTI-SENSE: yes                                                           (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO: 20:                                      TGGAATCAGACACAAGCCGT20                                                         (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 21:                                             (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:                                                  (A) LENGTH: 20                                                                 (B) TYPE: nucleic acid                                                         (C) STRANDEDNESS: single                                                       (D) TOPOLOGY: linear                                                           (iv) ANTI-SENSE: yes                                                           (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO: 21:                                      CATCTTGCGCGCGGGGAGCC20                                                         (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 22:                                             (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:                                                  (A) LENGTH: 20                                                                 (B) TYPE: nucleic acid                                                         (C) STRANDEDNESS: single                                                       (D) TOPOLOGY: linear                                                           (iv) ANTI-SENSE: yes                                                           (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO: 22:                                      TGCGCGCGGGGAGCCGGAGC20                                                         (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 23:                                             (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:                                                  (A) LENGTH: 20                                                                 (B) TYPE: nucleic acid                                                         (C) STRANDEDNESS: single                                                       (D) TOPOLOGY: linear                                                           (iv) ANTI-SENSE: yes                                                           (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO: 23:                                      CGAGAGGTGCCGGCCCCGGG20                                                         (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 24:                                             (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:                                                  (A) LENGTH: 20                                                                 (B) TYPE: nucleic acid                                                         (C) STRANDEDNESS: single                                                       (D) TOPOLOGY: linear                                                           (iv) ANTI-SENSE: yes                                                           (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO: 24:                                      CTCTCCTCGCCCTCCGTCGG20                                                         (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 25:                                             (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:                                                  (A) LENGTH: 20                                                                 (B) TYPE: nucleic acid                                                         (C) STRANDEDNESS: single                                                       (D) TOPOLOGY: linear                                                           (iv) ANTI-SENSE: yes                                                           (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO: 25:                                      TGGAGTTTGCATTCACCTAC20                                                         (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 26:                                             (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:                                                  (A) LENGTH: 20                                                                 (B) TYPE: nucleic acid                                                         (C) STRANDEDNESS: single                                                       (D) TOPOLOGY: linear                                                           (iv) ANTI-SENSE: yes                                                           (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO: 26:                                      AAAGGCCTCTAAGACAAGCT20                                                         (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 27:                                             (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:                                                  (A) LENGTH: 20                                                                 (B) TYPE: nucleic acid                                                         (C) STRANDEDNESS: single                                                       (D) TOPOLOGY: linear                                                           (iv) ANTI-SENSE: yes                                                           (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO: 27:                                      GCCAGCATGTGCACCGTGAA20                                                         (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 28:                                             (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:                                                  (A) LENGTH: 20                                                                 (B) TYPE: nucleic acid                                                         (C) STRANDEDNESS: single                                                       (D) TOPOLOGY: linear                                                           (iv) ANTI-SENSE: yes                                                           (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO: 28:                                      ACACCCCAGGCTCAACGATG20                                                         (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 29:                                             (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:                                                  (A) LENGTH: 20                                                                 (B) TYPE: nucleic acid                                                         (C) STRANDEDNESS: single                                                       (D) TOPOLOGY: linear                                                           (iv) ANTI-SENSE: yes                                                           (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO: 29:                                      CCGAAGCTTACTCACAATTT20                                                         (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 30:                                             (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:                                                  (A) LENGTH: 20                                                                 (B) TYPE: nucleic acid                                                         (C) STRANDEDNESS: single                                                       (D) TOPOLOGY: linear                                                           (iv) ANTI-SENSE: yes                                                           (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO: 30:                                      ACTTAGCTCTTGACTTCGGG20                                                         (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 31:                                             (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:                                                  (A) LENGTH: 20                                                                 (B) TYPE: nucleic acid                                                         (C) STRANDEDNESS: single                                                       (D) TOPOLOGY: linear                                                           (iv) ANTI-SENSE: yes                                                           (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO: 31:                                      ATGCTGCGGAAAATAAATTG20                                                         (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 32:                                             (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:                                                  (A) LENGTH: 20                                                                 (B) TYPE: nucleic acid                                                         (C) STRANDEDNESS: single                                                       (D) TOPOLOGY: linear                                                           (iv) ANTI-SENSE: yes                                                           (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO: 32:                                      ATTTTATTTTGAGCATGTTC20                                                         (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 33:                                             (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:                                                  (A) LENGTH: 20                                                                 (B) TYPE: nucleic acid                                                         (C) STRANDEDNESS: single                                                       (D) TOPOLOGY: linear                                                           (iv) ANTI-SENSE: yes                                                           (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO: 33:                                      TTTGGGGATGAGGGTGAGCA20                                                         (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 34:                                             (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:                                                  (A) LENGTH: 20                                                                 (B) TYPE: nucleic acid                                                         (C) STRANDEDNESS: single                                                       (D) TOPOLOGY: linear                                                           (iv) ANTI-SENSE: yes                                                           (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO: 34:                                      CCCATTCCCACAGGCCTGAG20                                                         (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 35:                                             (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:                                                  (A) LENGTH: 20                                                                 (B) TYPE: nucleic acid                                                         (C) STRANDEDNESS: single                                                       (D) TOPOLOGY: linear                                                           (iv) ANTI-SENSE: yes                                                           (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO: 35:                                      CGGAGCGCGCCAGGCAGGGA20                                                         (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 36:                                             (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:                                                  (A) LENGTH: 20                                                                 (B) TYPE: nucleic acid                                                         (C) STRANDEDNESS: single                                                       (D) TOPOLOGY: linear                                                           (iv) ANTI-SENSE: yes                                                           (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO: 36:                                      CCTTTTCCCAGACCAGCCAT20                                                         (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 37:                                             (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:                                                  (A) LENGTH: 20                                                                 (B) TYPE: nucleic acid                                                         (C) STRANDEDNESS: single                                                       (D) TOPOLOGY: linear                                                           (iv) ANTI-SENSE: yes                                                           (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO: 37:                                      GGCCCCAGAAACGTAGCAGG20                                                         (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 38:                                             (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:                                                  (A) LENGTH: 20                                                                 (B) TYPE: nucleic acid                                                         (C) STRANDEDNESS: single                                                       (D) TOPOLOGY: linear                                                           (iv) ANTI-SENSE: yes                                                           (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO: 38:                                      GGATCCTGCCTTTCTTGGGG20                                                         (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 39:                                             (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:                                                  (A) LENGTH: 20                                                                 (B) TYPE: nucleic acid                                                         (C) STRANDEDNESS: single                                                       (D) TOPOLOGY: linear                                                           (iv) ANTI-SENSE: yes                                                           (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO: 39:                                      CAGCCATGGCCCCAGAAACG20                                                         (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 40:                                             (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:                                                  (A) LENGTH: 20                                                                 (B) TYPE: nucleic acid                                                         (C) STRANDEDNESS: single                                                       (D) TOPOLOGY: linear                                                           (iv) ANTI-SENSE: yes                                                           (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO: 40:                                      CGACATGCCGGCGCCGCTGC20                                                         (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 41:                                             (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:                                                  (A) LENGTH: 20                                                                 (B) TYPE: nucleic acid                                                         (C) STRANDEDNESS: single                                                       (D) TOPOLOGY: linear                                                           (iv) ANTI-SENSE: yes                                                           (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO: 41:                                      CAGACGACATGCCGGCGCCG20                                                         (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 42:                                             (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:                                                  (A) LENGTH: 20                                                                 (B) TYPE: nucleic acid                                                         (C) STRANDEDNESS: single                                                       (D) TOPOLOGY: linear                                                           (iv) ANTI-SENSE: yes                                                           (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO: 42:                                      GCCTGCTTCGCAGCGGGAGA20                                                         (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 43:                                             (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:                                                  (A) LENGTH: 20                                                                 (B) TYPE: nucleic acid                                                         (C) STRANDEDNESS: single                                                       (D) TOPOLOGY: linear                                                           (iv) ANTI-SENSE: yes                                                           (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO: 43:                                      ACAGGTGCAGGAGTCGAGGC20                                                         (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 44:                                             (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:                                                  (A) LENGTH: 20                                                                 (B) TYPE: nucleic acid                                                         (C) STRANDEDNESS: single                                                       (D) TOPOLOGY: linear                                                           (iv) ANTI-SENSE: yes                                                           (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO: 44:                                      GTCCCGTCTCAGGCCAGCCC20                                                         (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 45:                                             (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:                                                  (A) LENGTH: 20                                                                 (B) TYPE: nucleic acid                                                         (C) STRANDEDNESS: single                                                       (D) TOPOLOGY: linear                                                           (iv) ANTI-SENSE: yes                                                           (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO: 45:                                      CCTCACCGATGCGGACCCTC20                                                         (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 46:                                             (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:                                                  (A) LENGTH: 20                                                                 (B) TYPE: nucleic acid                                                         (C) STRANDEDNESS: single                                                       (D) TOPOLOGY: linear                                                           (iv) ANTI-SENSE: yes                                                           (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO: 46:                                      ATTGAACTTCATGGTGCCAG20                                                         (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 47:                                             (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:                                                  (A) LENGTH: 20                                                                 (B) TYPE: nucleic acid                                                         (C) STRANDEDNESS: single                                                       (D) TOPOLOGY: linear                                                           (iv) ANTI-SENSE: yes                                                           (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO: 47:                                      TCTCACTCCCCATAAGGCTA20                                                         (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 48:                                             (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:                                                  (A) LENGTH: 20                                                                 (B) TYPE: nucleic acid                                                         (C) STRANDEDNESS: single                                                       (D) TOPOLOGY: linear                                                           (iv) ANTI-SENSE: yes                                                           (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO: 48:                                      TTCCTTTGGGTTCTCGTGCC20                                                         (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 49:                                             (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:                                                  (A) LENGTH: 20                                                                 (B) TYPE: nucleic acid                                                         (C) STRANDEDNESS: single                                                       (D) TOPOLOGY: linear                                                           (iv) ANTI-SENSE: yes                                                           (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO: 49:                                      TTCCATCCTTCGACAGAGTT20                                                         (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 50:                                             (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:                                                  (A) LENGTH: 20                                                                 (B) TYPE: nucleic acid                                                         (C) STRANDEDNESS: single                                                       (D) TOPOLOGY: linear                                                           (iv) ANTI-SENSE: yes                                                           (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO: 50:                                      AGGCTGATGCTGGGAAGGTC20                                                         (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 51:                                             (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:                                                  (A) LENGTH: 20                                                                 (B) TYPE: nucleic acid                                                         (C) STRANDEDNESS: single                                                       (D) TOPOLOGY: linear                                                           (iv) ANTI-SENSE: yes                                                           (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO: 51:                                      GTTCTAAGGCTGATGCTGGG20                                                         (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 52:                                             (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:                                                  (A) LENGTH: 18                                                                 (B) TYPE: nucleic acid                                                         (C) STRANDEDNESS: single                                                       (D) TOPOLOGY: linear                                                           (iv) ANTI-SENSE: yes                                                           (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:52:                                       TTCTCGCTGGTGAGTTTC18                                                           (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 53:                                             (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:                                                  (A) LENGTH: 17                                                                 (B) TYPE: nucleic acid                                                         (C) STRANDEDNESS: single                                                       (D) TOPOLOGY: linear                                                           (iv) ANTI-SENSE: yes                                                           (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO: 53:                                      TCTCGCTGGTGAGTTTC17                                                            (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 54:                                             (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:                                                  (A) LENGTH: 20                                                                 (B) TYPE: nucleic acid                                                         (C) STRANDEDNESS: single                                                       (D) TOPOLOGY: linear                                                           (iv) ANTI-SENSE: yes                                                           (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO: 54:                                      AACTCGAGGTGGCCGCCGTC20                                                         (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 55:                                             (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:                                                  (A) LENGTH: 20                                                                 (B) TYPE: nucleic acid                                                         (C) STRANDEDNESS: single                                                       (D) TOPOLOGY: linear                                                           (iv) ANTI-SENSE: yes                                                           (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO: 55:                                      CGCCTTCGCATAGCCCTTTG20                                                         (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 56:                                             (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:                                                  (A) LENGTH: 20                                                                 (B) TYPE: nucleic acid                                                         (C) STRANDEDNESS: single                                                       (D) TOPOLOGY: linear                                                           (iv) ANTI-SENSE: yes                                                           (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO: 56:                                      GGAAGGGGTGATTGCGGGCC20                                                         (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 57:                                             (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:                                                  (A) LENGTH: 20                                                                 (B) TYPE: nucleic acid                                                         (C) STRANDEDNESS: single                                                       (D) TOPOLOGY: linear                                                           (iv) ANTI-SENSE: yes                                                           (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO: 57:                                      AACACGCCCATTGCCCACCA20                                                         (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 58:                                             (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:                                                  (A) LENGTH: 20                                                                 (B) TYPE: nucleic acid                                                         (C) STRANDEDNESS: single                                                       (D) TOPOLOGY: linear                                                           (iv) ANTI-SENSE: yes                                                           (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO: 58:                                      GTCTCAAGATGGCGTGCTCG20                                                         (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 59:                                             (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:                                                  (A) LENGTH: 20                                                                 (B) TYPE: nucleic acid                                                         (C) STRANDEDNESS: single                                                       (D) TOPOLOGY: linear                                                           (iv) ANTI-SENSE: yes                                                           (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO: 59:                                      GCGATGGTTCAGCTGGGCCC20                                                         (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 60:                                             (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:                                                  (A) LENGTH: 20                                                                 (B) TYPE: nucleic acid                                                         (C) STRANDEDNESS: single                                                       (D) TOPOLOGY: linear                                                           (iv) ANTI-SENSE: yes                                                           (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO: 60:                                      GCCCTCTCTCTCACTCCCCA20                                                         (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 61:                                             (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:                                                  (A) LENGTH: 20                                                                 (B) TYPE: nucleic acid                                                         (C) STRANDEDNESS: single                                                       (D) TOPOLOGY: linear                                                           (iv) ANTI-SENSE: yes                                                           (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO: 61:                                      CTGGGAAGGTCCGATAGAGG20                                                         (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 62:                                             (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:                                                  (A) LENGTH: 20                                                                 (B) TYPE: nucleic acid                                                         (C) STRANDEDNESS: single                                                       (D) TOPOLOGY: linear                                                           (iv) ANTI-SENSE: yes                                                           (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO: 62:                                      AAGGCTGATGCTGGGAAGGT20                                                         __________________________________________________________________________ 

What is claimed is:
 1. An isolated and purified oligonucleotide consisting of a nucleotide sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 2 and SEQ ID NO:
 5. 2. The oligonucleotide of claim 1 wherein at least one nucleotide comprises a phosphorothioate linkage.
 3. The oligonucleotide of claim 1 wherein at least one nucleotide comprises a 2'-modified sugar.
 4. The oligonucleotide of claim 3 wherein the modification is a 2'-O-alkyl or 2'-fluoro modification.
 5. The oligonucleotide of claim 3 wherein the modification is a 2'-O-methyl or 2'-O-propyl modification.
 6. A pharmaceutical composition comprising the oligonucleotide of claim 1 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent.
 7. An isolated and purified oligonucleotide consisting of SEQ ID NO: 2, wherein said oligonucleotide hybridizes to DNA or RNA encoding human protein kinase C and reduces human protein kinase C expression.
 8. The oligonucleotide of claim 7 wherein at least one nucleotide comprises a phosphorothioate linkage.
 9. The oligonucleotide of claim 7 wherein at least one nucleotide comprises a 2'-modified sugar.
 10. The oligonucleotide of claim 9 wherein the modification is a 2'-O-alkyl or 2'-fluoro modification.
 11. The oligonucleotide of claim 9 wherein the modification is a 2'-O-methyl or 2'-O-propyl modification.
 12. An isolated and purified oligonucleotide consisting of SEQ ID NO: 3, wherein said oligonucleotide hybridizes to DNA or RNA encoding human protein kinase C and reduces human protein kinase C expression, wherein the IC₅₀ is 1 μM or less.
 13. The oligonucleotide of claim 12 wherein at least one nucleotide comprises a phosphorothioate linkage.
 14. The oligonucleotide of claim 12 wherein at least one nucleotide comprises a 2'-modified sugar.
 15. The oligonucleotide of claim 14 wherein the modification is a 2'-O-alkyl or 2'-fluoro modification.
 16. The oligonucleotide of claim 14 wherein the modification is a 2'-O-methyl or 2'-O-propyl modification.
 17. An isolated and purified oligonucleotide consisting of SEQ ID NO: 5, wherein said oligonucleotide hybridizes to DNA or RNA encoding human protein kinase C and reduces human protein kinase C expression.
 18. The oligonucleotide of claim 17 wherein at least one nucleotide comprises a phosphorothioate linkage.
 19. The oligonucleotide of claim 17 wherein at least one nucleotide comprises a 2'-modified sugar.
 20. The oligonucleotide of claim 19 wherein the modification is a 2'-O-alkyl or 2'-fluoro modification.
 21. The oligonucleotide of claim 19 wherein the modification is a 2'-O-methyl or 2'-O-propyl modification. 